Stored-value card adapted to be read by an electronic device

ABSTRACT

A stored-value card including a first surface and a second surface. The first surface stores data adapted to be read by an electronic device to perform at least one interactive activity. The second surface is opposite the first surface. The second surface includes account indicia signifying a financial account linked to the stored-value card, and brand indicia relating to a retail setting configured to redeem the stored-value card. The at least one interactive activity includes displaying at least one of a character, an object, a textual passage, and a symbol associated with the retail setting. Financial transaction card assemblies, packaged stored-value cards, and methods of using such cards are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stored-value cards and other financial transactions cards come in manyforms. A gift card, for example, is a type of stored-value card thatincludes pre-loaded or selectively loaded monetary value. In oneexample, a customer buys a gift card having a specified value forpresentation as a gift to another person. In another example, a customeris offered a gift card as an incentive to make a purchase. A gift card,like other stored-value cards, can be “recharged” or “reloaded” at thedirection of the bearer. The balance associated with the card declinesas the card is used, encouraging repeat visits to the retailer or otherprovider issuing the card. Additionally, the card generally remains inthe user's purse or wallet, serving as advertisement or reminder torevisit the associated retailer. Gift cards provide a number ofadvantages to both the consumer and the retailer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a stored-value cardincluding a first surface and a second surface. The first surface storesdata adapted to be read by an electronic device to perform at least oneinteractive activity. The second surface is opposite the first surface.The second surface includes account indicia signifying a financialaccount linked to the stored-value card and brand indicia relating to aretail setting configured to redeem the stored-value card. The at leastone interactive activity includes displaying at least one of acharacter, an object, a textual passage, and a symbol associated withthe retail setting. Related products and methods are also disclosed andprovide additional advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to thefigures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a stored-value card,according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the stored-value card of FIG. 1, according tothe present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of a main menu userinterface, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of a first game userinterface, according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of a second game userinterface, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of one embodiment of a packaged card product,according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of one embodiment of an outside of a packagebacker for a stored-value card, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7A is an enlarged front inverted view of a bottom panel of theoutside of the package backer of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a back view of the package backer of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a back view of the package backer of FIG. 7 with astored-value card and a transparent substrate during assembly, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration indicating use options of astored-value card, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart generally illustrating one embodiment of amethod of using a stored-value card, according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of one embodiment of an End-User LicenseAgreement user interface, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A gift card or other stored-value card is adapted for making purchasesof goods and/or services from e.g. a retail store or website. Astored-value card, according to embodiments of the present invention,stores data adapted to be read by an electronic device, such as anoptical data reader, to present a user with interactive activities via acomputer processing unit equipped with or operably coupled to theelectronic device. In one embodiment, the interactive activitiesspecifically include indications, objects, activities, slogans,advertising, promotional information, brand indicia, logos, and/or otherinformation linked to a brand identifier of a particular store, product,or service for which the stored-value card can be used and applied topurchase goods and/or services.

According to one embodiment, an original consumer buys the stored-valuecard to give a recipient who in turn is able to use the stored-valuecard at a retail store or setting to pay for goods and/or services. Thestored-value card presents one or more interactive activities and/orstatic data sets related to the products and/or retail setting withwhich the stored-value card is associated. In this manner, the originalconsumer provides the recipient with entertainment or education inaddition to the ability to pay for goods and/or services. In someembodiments, the interactive activities on the stored-value card arerelated to an occasion, such as a wedding, new baby, graduation,holiday, season, etc. For example, in the case of a wedding, the brideand groom receive a stored-value card including interactive activitiesor static data relating to a wedding and use the gift card to shop forhome needs or other items.

Turning to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a stored-value card 10such as a gift card or other pre-paid card. In one embodiment,stored-value card 10 is generally planar and is defined by first,second, third, and fourth edges 12, 14, 16, and 18. First edge 12 andthird edge 16 are each generally linear and are spaced from andpositioned generally parallel to one another. Second edge 14 extendsbetween first and third edges 12 and 16 with a convex curvature. Fourthedge 18 extends between first and third edges 12 and 16 opposite secondedge 14. More specifically, fourth edge 18 extends with a convexcurvature.

In one embodiment, stored-value card 10 is sized and shaped similar to acredit or debit card, but with curved edges 16 and 18 rather than thetypically straight edges of credit or debit cards. Accordingly,stored-value card 10 is sized to fit within a wallet or other holdersized to receive a credit or debit card. In addition, curved edges 16and 18 facilitate placement of stored-value card 10 in an electronicdevice, for example, an optical data reader (e.g. a CD-ROM drive, a DVDplayer, or a CD player) or any suitable electronic data reader.

A first generally planar surface 20 is defined between edges 12, 14, 16,and 18 and a second generally planar surface 22 is defined between edges12, 14, 16, and 18 and is opposite first surface 20. An aperture 24extends through and is generally centered on each of first surface 20and second surface 22. Aperture 24 is sized to be received by an opticaldata reader. In one embodiment, aperture 24 is sized and shaped toengage the drive mechanism or rotatable spindle of the optical datareader.

In one embodiment, first surface 20 is formed of a substrate, such aspolycarbonate, resin, plastic, or other suitable material that isdurable and flexible. Use of the above-described substrates willgenerally prevent stored-value card 10 from cracking or breaking due toexcessive pressure in a wallet or other holder and will otherwisegenerally protect against “wear and tear,” while still maintainingsufficient rigidity to be read by the electronic device.

First surface 20 includes indicia including one or more of brand orstore-identifying indicia 30, descriptive indicia 32, and decorativeindicia 34. Brand or store identifying indicia 30 indicate theassociated brand or store for which stored-value card 10 can be used andapplied with a logo, slogan, brand indicia, trademark, or otheridentifying graphic and/or text. For instance, store identifying indicia30 indicate the particular store that will accept stored-value card 10as payment for goods and/or services.

Descriptive indicia 32 indicate what software stored-value card 10includes. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, descriptive indicia 32indicate that stored-value card 10 is a gift card and that stored-valuecard 10 includes computer games, in particular, holiday computer games.In other examples, descriptive indicia 32 include the number and typesof games, activities, and/or static data stored on stored-value card 10or any other indication of what data is stored on stored-value card 10,such as coupons, movie trailer(s), music, etc.

Decorative indicia 34 include any symbol, color, characters, graphics,or other objects that add to the overall look of stored-value card 10.In particular, decorative indicia 34 may include an attention-grabbingdisplay 36 including text characters and/or objects, such as the “WannaPlay” line illustrated in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, theattention-grabbing display 36 includes an object 38, such as an animal,symbol, etc., relating to the product or store to which the stored-valuecard 10 is linked, such as a mascot or logo associated with the store orproduct. For example, the object 38 in FIG. 1 is a dog mascot of thestore or product with which the stored-value card 10 is associated.

Alternatively or additionally, decorative indicia 34 may includeseasonal or occasion-specific decorative indicia 40. More specifically,decorative indicia 34 are related to an occasion, such as a graduation,wedding, new baby, etc., a season, such as winter, spring, summer, orfall, and/or a holiday, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Independence Day,Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc. In one example, stored-value card 10 isavailable to consumers during the winter holiday season. Accordingly,occasion-specific decorative indicia 40 include snowflakes and ageneralized indication of a snow-covered ground as illustrated in FIG.1.

In other embodiments, occasion-specific decorative indicia 40 mayinclude one or more of objects such as Christmas trees, a nativityscene, menorah, fireworks, flower, leaf, graduation hat, stork, weddingring, jack-o-lantern, ghost, etc. depending upon the occasion, season,or holiday at which the stored-value card 10 is targeted. Accordingly,indicia 34 are one example of means for associating stored-value cared10 with at least one of a holiday, a season, and an occasion. In oneembodiment, decorative indicia 40 are related to other informationstored on stored-value card 10, such as software represented by the datastored on stored-value card 10, as will be further described below.

Stored-value cards according to embodiments of the invention, as well asthe games or other interactive or static activities provided by thestored-value cards, are linked to seasonal or occasion-specificmarketing activities of a retail store or other entity. For example, awinter-themed card, decorated with snowflakes and other winter-typeindicia and providing winter-themed games or activities, is released,i.e. first offered for sale, at the beginning of a retailer's holidaysales season, and is removed from sale at the end of the season orshortly thereafter. Branding, decoration, other indicia on the card, andthe games or activities themselves thus are chosen and designed togenerate interest and “buzz” about a particular retailer, its products,and the exciting opportunities the retailer provides during a finiteperiod of time such as the holiday shopping season or other season orevent. As such, stored-value cards according to embodiments of theinvention promote sales of the stored-value cards as well as of theassociated goods and services available within a retail environment.

First surface 20 also includes an account identifier 48 such as a barcode, magnetic code, or other suitable identifier readily readable by apoint-of-sale terminal or other account access station or kiosk. Accountidentifier 48 indicates a financial account or record to whichstored-value card 10 is linked. An account or record of the monetarybalance on stored-value card 10 optionally is maintained on a database,other electronic or manual record-keeping system, or, in the case of“smart” cards, for example, on a chip or other electronics or devices onstored-value card 10 itself. Accordingly, by scanning account identifier48, a financial account or record linked to stored-value card 10 isidentified and can subsequently be activated, have amounts debitedtherefrom, and/or have amounts added thereto. With the above in mind,account identifier 48 is one example of means for linking stored-valuecard 10 with a financial account or record.

Second surface 22 of stored-value card 10 stores data such as datarepresenting software for subsequent access and reading by theelectronic device. In one embodiment, second surface 22 includes aplurality of optical data tracks 50 concentrically positioned aboutaperture 24. Each data track 50 is configured to store theaforementioned data. In one embodiment, each optical data track 50 isformed in a layer of polycrystalline or other suitable material and canbe written and rewritten to several times by a CD burner or othersuitable optical data track burner/writer.

In one embodiment, optical data tracks 50 of stored-value card 10include data related to an End-User License Agreement (EULA) andinteractive activities that are accessible via a CD-ROM. For example,upon insertion of stored-value card 10 into an optical data readerand/or upon running the programs stored in optical data tracks 50, auser interface including the EULA is automatically displayed to a uservia a monitor, screen, or other suitable display device electricallycoupled to the optical data reader. In one embodiment, additional userinterfaces are not shown to a user until the user accepts the terms ofthe EULA. Additional details regarding one specific embodiment of anEULA are shown in FIG. 13.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, a user interface 90 ispresented to the user. User interface 90 is a menu, such as a main menu,generally including indicia of the software programs or activitiesrepresented by the data stored on stored-value card 10. In oneembodiment, user interface 90 indicates that the software ofstored-value card 10 includes a first game and a second game byillustrating a first game icon 92 and a second game icon 94. First gameicon 92 may represent the first game by including a reference to eithertext, objects, and/or symbols included in the first game. In addition,additional indicia 96 related to the first game may also be presentednear first icon 92, such as a reference to the game type or name and/oran additional graphic related to the first game.

Second game icon 94 may represent the second game by including areference to either text, objects, and/or symbols included in the secondgame. For example, in one embodiment, the second game includes a dog orother animal catching snowflakes and, accordingly, second game icon 94includes a picture of the dog and/or the snowflakes involved in thesecond game. In one embodiment, additional indicia 98 are includedgenerally near second game icon 94 to further indicate aspects of thesecond game. In one embodiment, additional indicia 98 include areference to the game name as well as an illustration of a characterincluded in the second game.

In one embodiment, game icon 92 and/or 94 and/or additional indicia 96and/or 98 include reference to a store, brand, or other productidentifier and/or to a mascot, object, symbol, or other item that usersgenerally associate with the card provider. In one example, one or moreof game icons 92 and 94 and additional indicia 96 and 98 relate to anoccasion, season, or holiday for which stored-value card 10 is offered.In one embodiment, main menu user interface 90 additionally includes oneor more backgrounds 100 or borders 102 to further populate main menuuser interface 90. In one embodiment, backgrounds 100 and borders 102relate to a trademark, object, color, mascot, or symbol associated withthe card provider. In one example, backgrounds 100 and borders 102relate to an occasion, season, or holiday for which stored-value card 10is offered. Thus, icons 92 and 94, additional indicia 96 and 98,backgrounds 100, and/or borders 102 provide one example of means forassociating stored-value card 10 with at least one of a holiday, aseason, and an occasion.

In addition to being aesthetically linked to the software data onfinancial transaction card 10 and/or to the provider or productassociated with stored-value card 10, each icon 92 and 94 is alsoactively linked to the software data. In other words, by a userselection or click on one of icons 92 and 94, the user is presented withan aspect of the software, such as the interactive activity or data setrepresented by the respective icon 92 or 94. For example, in oneembodiment in which first icon 92 is linked to a first game and secondicon 94 is linked to a second game, user selection of one of icons 92and 94 selects which of the first game and second game the user wishesto play or otherwise access.

Upon user selection of first icon 92, the user is presented with a newuser interface unique to the associated first game. In one embodiment,the user is presented with a first game menu that includes items such asdirections, level selection tools, etc. Upon reviewing and selecting tobegin play at the first game menu, the user is presented with a firstgame user interface 110, such as that illustrated in FIG. 4. In oneexample, the first game is related to at least one of the occasion,season, holiday, store identifiers, brand identifiers, products, etc.

For example, first game user interface 110 illustrated in FIG. 4presents a memory game related to gift giving and including reference toa dog mascot of the store or product associated with stored-value card10. In particular, game user interface 110 represents a memory game asindicated generally by game title indicia 112 and includes a pluralityof wrapped boxes 114. Each of the plurality of wrapped boxes 114 housescontents such as a particular view of a store mascot, a symbol, aproduct, an object relating to one or more of an occasion, season, orholiday, or a mixture of the different contents described above. Theplurality of wrapped boxes 114 are divided into pairs of boxes whereeach box 114 in a pair houses similar or identical contents. Boxes 114of different pairs have different contents 116.

Upon a user clicking or otherwise selecting one of the plurality ofboxes 114, the selected box 114 is opened to reveal contents 116 of theselected box 114. In each turn, the user is able to select two boxes114. The object is to select box pairs, i.e. to find two boxes 114 withmatching contents 116, in a single turn. Therefore, for each turn ormove, two boxes 114 are selected by the user and compared to determineif the selected boxes have matching contents 116. In one embodiment,once both boxes 114 of a pair are selected in a single turn, that pairof boxes is removed from game user interface 110. Accordingly, a usercontinues to takes turns until all the plurality of boxes 116 are pairedand/or removed from game user interface 110.

In one embodiment, the number of moves, which is equal to the number ofturns the user has taken, is tracked by a move counter 118. In oneembodiment, the number of matches (i.e., the number of box pairsidentified) is indicated by a match counter 119. In one embodiment,following completion of first level, a user is presented with a scoreand an opportunity to move on to the next level. In one example, thescore is equal to the number of moves taken at the first level to matchall the boxes 114. In one embodiment, subsequent levels sequentiallyincrease in difficulty, for example, by presenting a user with a largerplurality of boxes 114 to match or pair.

In one embodiment, first game user interface 110 additionally includesone or more of level indicia 120, a skip level button 122, a quit button124, and a main menu button 126. Level indicia 120 indicate the currentlevel of the first game that the user is playing. Skip level button 122allows a user to skip the current level by clicking on or otherwiseselecting skip level button 122. Similarly, quit button 124 allows auser to quit the current game by clicking on or otherwise selecting quitbutton 124. Upon clicking on or otherwise selecting main menu 126button, the user is exited from the first game and returned to main menuuser interface 90.

User selection of second icon 94 causes the user to be presented with anew user interface unique to the associated second game. In oneembodiment, the user is presented with a second game menu that includesitems such as directions, level selection tools, etc. for the secondgame. Upon reviewing and selecting to begin play on second game menu,the user is presented with a second game user interface 130, one exampleof which is illustrated in FIG. 5. In one example, the second game isrelated to at least one of the occasion, season, holiday, storeidentifiers, product, etc. The game type or title is included on secondgame user interface 130 as title indicia 131.

In second game user interface 130 of FIG. 5, the game is focused aroundthe dog mascot 132 of the store or product associated with stored-valuecard 10, which is trying to catch falling snowflakes 134 on its tongue.In this respect, the game is related to the store or product via dogmascot 132 and is also related to the winter season with the inclusionof snowflakes 134. The user is able to control movements of dog mascot132 including the direction of movement and jumping of the dog in anattempt to catch a greater number of snowflakes 134. Additional levelsof the second game may incorporate additional obstacles, such as frozenponds or flying snowballs, and/or may incorporate additional rewardssuch as bones or treats.

In one embodiment, second game user interface 130 additionally includesscore indicia 136 and a time indicator 138. Score indicia 136 relay tothe user a score the user has accumulated by catching snowflakes 134and/or other rewards on the tongue of dog mascot 132. Time indicator 138indicates how much time a user has left at the current level to attemptto catch more snowflakes 34. In one embodiment, time indicator 138includes a ticker clock counting down the number of seconds until thecurrent level is completed. In one embodiment, second game userinterface 130 includes level indicia 120, skip level button 122, quitbutton 124, and main menu button 126 as described above with respect tofirst game user interface 110.

With the above in mind, stored-value card 10 functions as a financialtransaction or gift card, but additionally provides recipient ofstored-value card 10 with the additional gift of one or more softwareinteractive activities, such as the games described above. In oneembodiment, the software activities are provided to appeal to a widevariety of ages. In other embodiments, the software activities aretargeted toward an average age group for a particular occasion, such asgraduation. Accordingly, a consumer gifting the stored-value card 10 toa recipient is able to provide the recipient with more than just astored-value card. Moreover, the interactive activities generally relateto the store or other brand identification, thereby providing additionalmarketing opportunities for the store or other product providers toreach the recipient of stored-value card 10. In addition, any seasonalor occasion-specific objects or indicia included in the interactiveactivities, such as boxes 114 and snowflakes 134, provide means forassociating stored-value card with at least one of a holiday, a season,and an occasion.

In one embodiment, in addition or as an alternative to one or more ofthe games described above, at least one of the software activitiesprovided by stored-value card 10 includes a dressing room, which allowsa user to dress a body sized and shaped similar to his or herself inclothes available from the store associated with stored-value card 10.According to another embodiment, a software activity includes apersonalization area where the giver can personalize stored-value card10 to the recipient and/or occasion, season, or holiday with a message,pictures, digital photographs, music or other items. In one embodiment,the software of stored-value card 10 additionally or alternativelyincludes other read-only activities such as movie trailers, musicsamples, coupons, web site links, product information, advertisements,demonstrations, etc. With the above in mind, the data stored onstored-value card 10 is one example of means for providing interactivebrand-related activities to a user.

In one embodiment, stored-value card 10 is placed within a package orcarrier to facilitate marketing or general placement within a retailstore or setting. FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a packaged cardproduct 150 including a bi-fold package backer 152, a window 154, andstored-value card 10. Packaged card product 150 is configured to providestored-value card 10 between surfaces of bi-fold package backer 152 suchthat stored-value card 10 is visible to consumers and purchasers throughtransparent substrate or window 154. By placing stored-value card 10 tobe viewable by consumers, consumers are fully informed of what the cardthey are purchasing looks like. In addition, the size of package backer152 increases the overall size of packaged card product 150, increasingmarketing area on packaged card product 150 and decreasing the ease ofshoplifting packaged card product 150.

FIGS. 7, 7A, and 8 illustrate one embodiment of package backer 152.Package backer 152 is an elongated, generally rectangular piece of agenerally planar material, such as cardstock, paperboard, plastic, orother suitable material. More specifically, package backer 152 is abi-fold substrate that is roughly foldable in half. In FIGS. 7 and 8,package backer 152 is unfolded, i.e. is in an open configuration.Accordingly, unfolded package backer 152 defines an outside, printedsurface 160 and an inside surface 162 opposite printed surface 160. Aperforated line 164 is laterally defined between opposite longitudinaledges 166 and 168 and is generally centered between opposite lateraledges 170 and 172 to define a top panel 174 and a bottom panel 176.

Top panel 174 defines an aperture 178 similarly shaped and sizedslightly larger than stored-value card 10 (FIG. 6). In one embodiment,aperture 178 includes two parallel and laterally extending edges 180 and182 and two convex edges 184 and 186. Laterally extending edge 182 isspaced from laterally extending edge 180. Convex edges 184 and 186 eachextend between laterally extending edges 180 and 182 opposite oneanother. In one embodiment, aperture 178 is formed relatively near toperforated line 164. In one example, top panel 174 further defines asupport arm aperture 188 near top lateral edge 170 configured to receivea display support arm or hook.

In one embodiment, top panel 174 includes general marketing indicia 190and software indicia 192. General marketing indicia 190 include phrases,wording, objects, or symbols targeted to attract the eye of consumersand/or to explain the basis of the product to consumers. For example, asindicated in FIGS. 6 and 7, general marketing indicia 190 both attractconsumer attention and explain the product by stating “One Gift Card.Two Games. Three times the fun.”

Software indicia 192 include an indication of what software, such asinteractive activities, static activities, etc., are included onstored-value card 10. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7,software indicia 192 include a title 194 and a graphic 196 for each gameincluded on stored-value card 10. In one embodiment, the design ofsoftware indicia 192 is similar in appearance to main menu userinterface 90 (FIG. 3). As illustrated, software indicia 192 furtherinclude an indication of a holiday, season, and/or occasion, if any,that the software is related to. In the illustrated example, thesoftware is identified as relating to winter holidays due to the use ofthe phrase “Holiday Computer Games” 198 and the appearance of snowflakes200. Other suitable indicia can also be included on top panel 174, suchas compatibility indicia 202 indicating the operating systems thesoftware of stored-value card 10 is compatible with, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 7A, outside, printed surface 160 of bottompanel 176 displays indicia, graphics, or text information includingstore logo(s), store names(s), slogans, advertising, instructions,directions, brand indicia, promotional information, and/or otherinformation. Indicia 210, for example, include “To,” “From,” “InitialGiftCard Value,” and “Message” fields. Indicia 212 promote thatstored-value card 10 is reloadable (i.e., value can be added to theaccount linked to stored-value card 10) at any time. In one embodiment,instructional indicia 214 are included to depict the instructions foraccessing the software of stored-value card 10 (FIG. 6). In one example,instructional indicia 214 include instructions for use of card softwareon either a Macintosh computer or Windows PC. Instructional indicia 214can also include recommended systems for optimal performance of the cardsoftware.

Optional game indicia 216 on bottom panel 176 illustrate a portion ofeach interactive activity included in the card software to furthereducate the buyer and recipient of the software included with thepurchase of stored-value card 10. In one embodiment, redemption indicia218 are also included on bottom panel 176 indicating that stored-valuecard 10 is redeemable for the purchase of goods and/or services andthat, upon use, a value of the purchased goods and/or services will bededucted from the financial account or record linked to stored-valuecard 10. In one embodiment, redemption indicia 218 include phrases suchas “<Name of Store> GiftCard” and “This GiftCard is redeemable formerchandise or services at any of our stores or at our website,” and/orprovides help or phone line information in case of a lost, stolen, ordamaged stored-value card, etc.

In one example, bottom panel 176 further defines a support arm aperture220 near bottom lateral edge 172 configured to receive a display supportarm or hook. More particularly, support arm aperture 220 is positionedrelative to bottom lateral edge 172 similar to the position of supportarm aperture 188 of top panel 174 relative to top lateral edge 170.

Any of indicia 30, 32, 34, 40, 48, 190, 192, 202, 210, 212, 214, 216,218, or other indicia, optionally may appear anywhere on outside,printed surface 160 of package backer 152 or stored-value card 10.Additional information besides that specifically described andillustrated herein also may be included. In this manner, printed surface160 has an overall appearance corresponding in color, design, etc. withan overall appearance of stored-value card 10. Thus, indicia 30, 32, 34,40, 48, 190, 192, 202, 210, 214, 216, 218, and other indicia correlatingthe overall appearance of printed surface 160 to the overall appearanceof stored-value card 10 are examples of means for visually linkingstored-value card 10 to package backer 152.

Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, inside surface 162 of packagebacker 152 is generally blank other than a background field 222. In oneembodiment, background field 222 is shaped similar to and sized slightlylarger than window aperture 178. In other embodiments, background field222 is shaped in another manner but is still larger than window aperture178. In one embodiment, background field 222 is of a color or patterncomplementing or matching the overall color or theme of printed surface160. As illustrated with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, upon assembly ofpackaged card product 150, second surface 22 of stored-value card 10 isplaced upon bottom panel 176 of inside surface 162. More specifically,store-valued card 10 is generally centered upon background field 22 ofpackage backer 152. Dots 230 of adhesive are placed about and spacedslightly from stored-valued card 10. In one embodiment, adhesive dots230 are placed just outside a perimeter of window aperture 178. In otherembodiments, curved or linear lines or other arrangement of adhesive maybe applied to package backer 152 spaced from and about stored-value card10.

Window or layer of generally transparent substrate 154 is placed overstored-value card 10. In particular, window 154 is generally planar anddefines a first surface 234 and a second surface 236 opposite firstsurface 234. With this in mind, window 154 is placed over stored-valuecard 10 such that first surface 234 interacts with each adhesive dot 230to secure window 154 to package backer 152 and, thereby to securestored-value card 10 between window 154 and package backer 152. In oneembodiment, window 154 is a generally clear vellum or other suitablematerial.

One or more lines of adhesive 240 are placed near top lateral edge 170and near bottom lateral edge 172 of package backer 152. In oneembodiment, additional adhesive is applied to inside surface 162 betweentop lateral edge 170 and window aperture 178 and between bottom lateraledge 172 and background field 222. Package backer 152 is foldedgenerally in half about perforated line 164, and top panel 174 ispressed to back panel 176, adhering inside surface 162 of top panel 174to inside surface 162 of bottom panel 176, as illustrated in e.g. FIGS.6 and 10.

Once folded, window aperture 178 aligns with and fits over backgroundfield 222 and stored-value card 10. Due to window aperture 178 andwindow 154, stored-value card 10 is viewable from outside packaged cardproduct 150. In one example, a portion of background field 222 isviewable through window aperture 178 about stored-value card 10 and/orthrough aperture 178. Accordingly, package backer 152 and window 154 areone example of means for removably supporting stored-value card 10 fordisplay in a retail setting.

With the above in mind, account identifier 48 of stored-value card 10 isalso viewable through window 154 of packaged card product 150. In oneembodiment, a scanner or other reader can access account identifier 48to activate stored-value card 10 through window 154. Stored-value card10 is activated when a monetary amount is added to the financial accountor record linked to stored-value card 10. In one embodiment, upon theinitial reading of account identifier 48 by a point-of-sale terminal orother terminal, a preset or customized monetary value is automaticallyadded to the financial account or record linked to stored-value card 10.Thus, scanning account identifier 48 through window 154 illustrates oneexample of means for activating or loading value on stored-value card 10through package backer 152 and window 154.

Referring to FIG. 11, stored-value card 10 is purchased and activated ina first retail store or setting 250. Once purchased, stored-value card10 can be placed within an electronic device such as an optical datareader of a computer processing unit 252, which is remotely positionedwith respect to retail store 250. The electronic device reads data fromstored-value card 10 and presents the software including the interactiveactivities and/or static data to the user. Prior to or subsequent toaccessing the software of stored-value card 10, stored-value card 10 istransportable back to first retail store or setting 250 or to a secondremote retail store or setting 254 to redeem stored-value card 10, moreparticularly to redeem the monetary value in the financial account orrecord associated with stored-value card 10, for goods and/or services.In one embodiment, one or both of retail settings 250 and 254 is a storeor web site. Stored-value card 10 thus provides (1) a pre-paid card forpurchasing goods and/or services at one or more retail settings and (2)a software package configured to entertain and/or educate the user. Inone embodiment, providing a software package also serves to expose theuser to additional marketing messages from the retail setting or relatedto a product line or brand.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 260 ofusing stored-value card 10. At 262, stored-value card 10 is purchased byan original consumer from a retail store, such as retail store 250. At264, the consumer optionally gives stored-value card 10 to a recipient,such as a graduate, a relative, a friend, expectant parents, one havinga recent or impending birthday, a couple having a recent or impendinganniversary, etc. As an alternative, the original consumer can keepstored-value card 10 for his or her own use.

At 266, the original consumer or the recipient, whomever is in currentownership of stored-value card 10, accesses the card software asdescribed above. At 268, the current owner of stored-value card 10redeems stored-value card 10 for goods and/or services from retailsetting 250 or 254. At 270, the current owner of stored-value card 10adds value to stored-value card 10, more particularly, to the account orrecord associated with stored-value card 10, at either retail setting250 or 254. Upon accessing software at 266, redeeming stored-value card10 at 268, or adding value to stored-value card 10 at 270, the currentowner of stored-value card 10 subsequently can perform any of steps 266,268, or 270 as desired. In one embodiment, the ability of the currentowner to repeat redeeming stored-value card 10 at 268 is limited bywhether the account or record associated with stored-value card 10 hasany value at the time of redemption.

FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of a user interface 300 including aEULA 362. User interface 300 displays EULA 362, a first button 364, anda second button 366. EULA 362 includes the terms for a legal agreementbetween the user of the software and/or other data on stored-value card10 and the provider of the software product, such as a store, a productretailer, etc.

In one embodiment, EULA 362 includes one or more of an introductorysection 368, a copyright section 370, a grant of license section 372, alimitations section 374, a termination section 376, a warrantydisclaimer 378, a limitation of liability section 380, and a concludingsection 382. Introductory section 368 includes an identification of theagreement and a description of the method of accepting the terms of theagreement. In one example, introductory section 368 includes adescription of the method of accepting the terms of the agreementindicating that clicking first button 364, which is an “I ACCEPT”button, indicates user agreement to the license as described by EULA362. In this embodiment, second button 366 is an “I DECLINE” button thatis to be selected if a user does not wish to agree to or enter into thelicense described in EULA 362.

Copyright section 370 identifies that the laws of copyright applying tothe software of stored-value card 10 and that all copyrights are ownedby the card provider, be it a store or other provider. Grant of license372 indicates that provisions of the data and software of stored-valuecard to the user is by license rather than by sale, limits the user tothe number of copies, if any, allowed under EULA 362, and generallyprohibits user rental of the software data. Limitations section 374provides limitations on the user's use of the software data. Forexample, in one embodiment, limitations section 374 prohibitsdisassembly of the software data into subparts or components to beinstalled or utilized on multiple computers.

Termination section 376 lays out the ability of the provider (i.e.,store, product provider, etc.) to terminate the license to the user ifthe user fails to comply with the terms laid out in EULA 362. In oneembodiment, warranty disclaimer 378 disclaims both express and impliedwarranties to the extent permitted by law. Limitation of liabilitysection 380 describes the damages for which the provider will not beliable arising out of the user misuse of or inability to use thesoftware stored on stored-value card 10. In one embodiment, thelimitation of liability section 380 additionally limits the totalliability.

In one embodiment, concluding section 378 states that EULA 362constitutes the entire agreement, thereby, disallowing the incorporationof other references into the license; that if any provision isunenforceable, that provision alone should be modified only by theextent necessary to bring it within the law while upholding otherprovisions of the agreement; a clarification of the scope of waiver ofany individual breech of the agreement; a description of availableremedies; an election of applicable law and jurisdiction; and/or adesignation of contact should the user have any questions regarding EULA362.

If the user selects second button 366, the user declines to enter intoEULA 362 and the user will be blocked from accessing any additionalsoftware and/or data stored on stored-value card 10. If the user selectsfirst button 364, the user accepts and enters into EULA 362 with theprovider and is allowed to access the other software and/or data storedon stored-value card 10.

Stored-value cards come in many forms, according to embodiments of theinvention. The stored-value card, like other gift cards, can be“recharged” or “reloaded” at the direction of the original consumer, thegift recipient, or a third party. The term “loading on” or “loaded on” acard herein should be interpreted to include adding to the balance of afinancial account or record associated with the stored-value card. Thebalance associated with the stored-value card declines as thestored-value card is used, encouraging repeat visits. The card remainsin the user's purse, wallet, or near a user's computer, serving as anadvertisement or reminder to re-visit the associated merchant at aretail store or website. Stored-value cards according to embodiments ofthe invention provide a number of advantages to both the consumer andthe merchant or retail store. Other stored-value cards in the realm ofthe present invention include loyalty cards, merchandise return cards,electronic gift certificates, employee cards, frequency cards, pre-paidcards, and other types of cards associated with or representingpurchasing power or monetary value, for example.

Although the invention has been described with respect to particularembodiments, such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only andshould not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternativesand changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Forexample, stored-value cards optionally are virtual or electronic cardsaccessible on a retailer's website, other Internet location, kiosk, orelsewhere for electronic transfers. Other modifications within the scopeof the invention in its various embodiments will be apparent to those ofordinary skill.

1.-10. (canceled)
 11. A financial transaction card assembly, comprising:a financial transaction card defining a first surface and a secondsurface opposite the first surface, the first surface including a linkassociated with a financial account or record; and a carrier including:a backer defining a window aperture, and a generally transparent windowextending over the window aperture; wherein the carrier is configured tohouse the financial transaction card while on display for retail sale ofthe financial transaction card, and further wherein the link to thefinancial account or record is viewable from outside the carrier throughthe transparent window; wherein the financial transaction card includesinteractive software relating to at least one of a brand, a storeidentifier, and a store mascot; wherein the carrier includes indiciagenerally identifying the interactive software. 12.-13. (canceled) 14.The financial transaction card assembly of claim 11, wherein the carrierincludes indicia relating to the redemption of the financial transactioncard for goods or services.
 15. The financial transaction card assemblyof claim 11, wherein the carrier includes an aperture configured forhanging the carrier from a display rod.
 16. The financial transactioncard assembly of claim 11, wherein the carrier is a bi-fold carrier. 17.The financial transaction card assembly of claim 16, wherein the bi-foldcarrier defines a first panel and a second panel, wherein the firstpanel defines the window aperture, and wherein the financial transactioncard is maintained between the second panel and the window.
 18. Thefinancial transaction card assembly of claim 17, wherein the secondpanel includes a background field partially viewable through the windowaround at least a portion of the financial transaction card.
 19. Thefinancial transaction card assembly of claim 17, wherein the window isadhered to the second panel at least partially about the financialtransaction card, and the first panel is subsequently folded upon andadhered to the second panel. 20.-32. (canceled)
 33. A financialtransaction card assembly, comprising: a financial transaction carddefining a first surface and a second surface opposite the firstsurface, the first surface including a link associated with a financialaccount or record; and a carrier including: a backer defining a windowaperture, and a generally transparent window extending over the windowaperture; wherein the carrier is configured to house the financialtransaction card while on display—for retail sale of the financialtransaction card, and further wherein the link to the financial accountor record is viewable from outside the carrier through the transparentwindow; wherein the carrier is a bi-fold carrier defining a first paneland a second panel, wherein the first panel defines the window aperture,and wherein the financial transaction card is maintained between thesecond panel and the window; wherein the second panel includes abackground field partially viewable through the window around at least aportion of the financial transaction card.
 34. The financial transactioncard assembly of claim 33, wherein the financial transaction cardincludes interactive software relating to at least one of a brand, astore identifier, and a store mascot.
 35. The financial transaction cardassembly of claim 34, wherein the carrier includes indicia generallyidentifying the interactive software.
 36. The financial transaction cardassembly of claim 35, wherein the carrier includes indicia relating tothe redemption of the financial transaction card for goods or services.37. The financial transaction card assembly of claim 33, wherein thecarrier includes an aperture configured for hanging the carrier from adisplay rod.
 38. The financial transaction card assembly of claim 33,wherein the window is adhered to the second panel at least partiallyabout the financial transaction card, and the first panel issubsequently folded upon and adhered to the second panel.